Net Index is a free service that ranks and compares download and upload speeds, quality of…
Read more Read more

The benefit of Net Index's data is that it comes from all kinds of connections on the ISP, and in the area, of your choosing, rather than only showing the best connection possible (as you'll see in advertising). The Index offers download, upload, and quality assessments from users—the download and upload speeds are aggregated over the past 30 days, while the quality ratings stick over time.

Click your country on the Net Index map, then your state, to get ISP rankings. Some areas may only have detailed quality rankings, but if you flip over to the "By IP addresses" tab in the cities listing, you'll at least get to see the average download and upload speeds coming from your area. It's a free service, and a handy guide when you're trying to be realistic about the service you're getting.